Delicious Cajun Turkey Bone Gumbo Recipe for Thanksgiving Leftovers

Cajun Turkey Bone Gumbo Recipe

In rural Louisiana, Thanksgiving leftovers turn into a delicious dish called turkey bone gumbo. This meal makes use of the turkey carcass and spices it up with sausage. Here’s how to prepare it.

Ingredients

For the Roasted Turkey Bone Broth:

• 1 turkey carcass (bones, giblets, and leftover skin)
• 3 ribs celery, cut into 4-inch pieces
• 2 medium onions, peeled and quartered
• 4 quarts water (enough to cover the carcass)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 4 bay leaves

For the Turkey Bone Gumbo:

• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup flour
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 pound smoked sausage (like andouille or kielbasa), chopped
• 3 quarts turkey broth
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
• Steamed white rice (for serving)

Instructions

Making the Broth:

1. Place the turkey carcass in a large stockpot.
2. Add the celery, onions, water, salt, peppercorns, and bay leaves.
3. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 2 to 4 hours.
4. After simmering, skim off any fat that rises to the top.
5. Strain the broth into another pot using a colander.
6. Reserve any meat from the carcass. Pick off any remaining meat.
7. Use the broth immediately or freeze it in quart-size containers. You will have about 2 to 3 quarts.

Making the Gumbo:

1. In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine oil and flour over medium-low heat.
2. Stir consistently for 20 to 25 minutes to create a dark brown roux.
3. Season the onions, bell peppers, and celery with salt and cayenne pepper. Add them to the roux.
4. Cook the vegetables over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the sausage and cook while stirring for 5 to 7 minutes.
6. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes.
7. Add the reserved turkey meat and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
8. Stir in the parsley and green onions.
9. Serve the gumbo over steamed white rice.

This turkey bone gumbo offers a hearty and flavorful way to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers. It brings warmth, spice, and comfort to the table.